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While it may not be as soothing as a full-on massage administered by trained, professional hands, a self-massage can be a quick, effective, and economical way to loosen up stress spots and relieve muscle pain. Or, as Rich Poley, author of Self-Massage for Athletes, has described it, "Massage therapy is dining out; self-massage is home-cooking."
Try out these "me"-ssage touches:
- Scalp: A scalp massage fits nicely into the morning shower routine. It feels wonderful with soapy lather and it makes for an invigorating start to your day! Spread your fingers apart and tuck your thumbs behind your ears. Knead your fingertips into your scalp, tracing small circles as you move across your head.
- Eyes: Don't worry – it's not your eyeballs you'll be massaging here. One way to soothe strained eyes is to first rub your hands together to warm them up and then cup them over your eyes. The base of your palm fits nicely along the curve of your cheekbones as your fingers extend over the top of your forehead. Another eye-easer: Shut your eyes and use your ring fingers to press gently on the point beneath your eyebrows near the bridge of your nose. Press for 5-10 seconds, release, and repeat a few times. Don't forget to wash your hands first before placing them near your eyes.
- Nose: The tip of your nose is mostly soft cartilage and won't get much from a massage, but the parts of your nose more connected to your sinuses might. Begin with your fingertips on the bridge of your nose between your eyes and let them slide down and along the tops of your cheekbones.
- Face: Boost circulation to your skin by first rubbing your hands together to warm them up. Then lightly press your palms to your forehead, pulling your hands down your face across your cheeks and down to your chin. Press circles on your cheek a few times, as though you were washing your face.
- Ears: Tend to take your ears for granted? Too bad: Self-massage can relieve headaches and may help curb cravings and anxiety associated with quitting smoking. Take a 2-minute break to give your ears some TLC: Gently squeeze and rub the outer edge of your ear between your thumb and index finger. Move gradually from the top of the ear down to the earlobe. Tug softly on your earlobe a few times. Repeat as many times as you'd like and switch to the other ear.
- Jaw: Even the mellowest among us clinch our jaws sometimes. And chewing, talking, resting chin on hand, or holding the mouth open for dental procedures can wear out the jaw. You can rub light circles at the point at which your lower jaw attaches to your skull, near the temporomandibular joint. Your jaw may also benefit from massaging wider circles over the masseter and temporalus muscles. The masseter is the square muscle over your cheekbone, and the temporalus can be found above your ear.
- Neck: Modern life is full of ways to strain the neck – leaning in to read small print on your computer or just sitting in a seat all day. Thankfully there are easy ways to relieve some of the strain. Use the heels of your hands to work circles into the taut muscles at the sides of your neck. Change to fingertip pressure to drum down the sides from behind your ears down toward your shoulders.
- Shoulders: Quit shouldering the burden of waiting for a professional massage! So much tension can be stored in the muscles of your shoulders, and you can easily release some of it on your own. Just reach an arm across the front of your body and press circles firmly into muscles above the opposite shoulder blade. Switch sides. Ahh, that's nice!
- Hands: Relaxation and stress relief go hand-in-hand with this massage. If you'd like, add a dollop of lotion to your hand before beginning to smooth the way. Using the opposite hand, squeeze each finger with circling pressure around the joints from base to tip. Tug gently to stretch each finger. And don't forget the spaces in between! With your palm facing down, stroke your thumb between the tendons on the back of your hand that run down from the fingers. Take each finger between the opposite thumb and index finger and rub small circles from tip to wrist, first on the back of your hand then on the palm. Switch hands and repeat.
- Belly: Try this one after a meal to support healthy digestion. Put one hand on top of the other just above your belly button and rub lightly in clockwise circles. Continue for a few minutes, breathing deeply as you go.
- Torso: Down low on the sides of your back and nestled beneath the soft flesh above your waistline are your kidneys. Rubbing this area with your fists in quick circles is said to deliver a boost of energy.
- Legs: Depending on your size, the legs present a self-massage challenge. With their varied terrain, you'll need to alternate between stroking, kneading, and drumming. Give yourself a strong foundation by resting your foot flat with your knee bent. With one hand on each side of your leg, stroke up from ankle to thigh. When you get up there, knead into the fleshy part of your thigh as if it were dough and then drum the outsides and fronts. Use your fingertips to gently massage circles around your kneecap. Put both hands to work kneading your calf muscle and finish off with broad strokes up and down the leg. Switch legs.
- Feet: In terms of self-massage, your feet are a lot like your hands – except they're farther away and potentially harder to reach. Sit in a chair that allows you to comfortably cross one leg onto the opposite knee. First apply some lotion to the tops and soles of your feet. Then grip the fingers of one hand between your toes, much like you would when you hold hands with someone. Lightly tug the toes up as the heel of your hand rubs the top of your foot. This also gives the tendons between your toes a good stretch. At the same time, you can put the thumb of the other hand to work kneading into the sole of your foot. After you've done this for a while, turn your attention to the tops of your feet. Massage your thumbs into the top of the foot in opposing circles.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Tips-for-Head-to-Toe-Self-Massage


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Moscow 1967. The Doctor and Ace have arrived behind the Iron Curtain, and the Soviet Union is seeking a new weapon that will give it mastery in the Cold War.
What is the secret of the Martian relics? As the legendary War Lord Sezhyr returns to life, the Doctor is faced with some of his oldest and deadliest enemies.
The fate of Earth – and the future of Ace – are now intertwined...
Written By: Marc Platt
Directed By: Ken Bentley
Sylvester McCoy (The Doctor), Sophie Aldred (Ace), Ricky Groves (Markus Creevy), Beth Chalmers (Lt Raina Kerenskaya/Sezhyr), Nicholas Briggs (Hhessh),John Albasiny (Major Maxim Alexandrovitch Felnikov), Nigel Lambert(Adjudicator/Vitali Semyonovitch Wolshkin/Glarva), John Banks (Yevgeni/Yasha Lemayev)
Number of Discs: 2

subset: commoncrawl


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"Fear Not: For They That Be with Us Are More," Ensign, Nov. 2001, 67–68
"Fear Not: For They That Be with Us Are More"
We are not alone in this sacred trust of parenting, loving, and leading. There is no greater joy. It is worth every sacrifice.
As parents and leaders of youth, it might be easy to lose our faith and wring our hands with worry for them and the world they are living in.
Our circumstances today are not without precedence or hope. When Enoch was the prophet, the heavens wept because of the wickedness of the world (see Moses 7:28–37). There is no doubt the heavens are weeping today.
Elisha the prophet was surrounded by the whole Syrian army determined to kill him. He reassured his worried and only companion, who was busy counting Syrian heads, that when we are on the Lord's side, regardless of numbers or worldly power, we are in the majority. I testify that the consoling words of Elisha to his young friend are still true today: "They that be with us are more than they that be with them" (2 Kgs. 6:16). The Lord will surround and protect our young people with chariots of fire, as He did for Elisha, in the form of parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, neighbors, leaders, and friends who will vigorously love them and lead them.
The past four years I have been immersed in the work of Young Women. As we cross the world visiting with them, we learn to some degree about their hopes and dreams and fears and disappointments. I echo President Hinckley's words: this is "the best generation the Church has ever had" (Church News, 15 Feb. 1997, 3). As a whole, these young people are valiantly and energetically taking a stand for goodness and decency.
Strong and good as they are, our young people need our help. And help is available: The Young Women Personal Progress program, the Aaronic Priesthood Duty to God, the Guidebook for Parents and Leaders of Youth, and the revised For the Strength of Youth will help parents and leaders be actively and directly involved in holding back the sliding scale of morality. Our youth want more than landlords. They want people who will love them and lead them.
A vital part of that loving is listening. I know what listening really is, because I have had the blessed experience.
I used to farm with my dad. I didn't always enjoy it, but when lunchtime came we'd sit in the shade of the tall poplar trees, eat our lunch, and talk. My dad didn't use this as a golden teaching moment to lay down the law and straighten out his daughter. We just talked—about anything and everything.
This was the time I could ask questions. I felt so safe I could even ask questions that might provoke him. I remember asking him, "Why did you embarrass me in front of my friends last week when I had stayed out too late and you came and got me?"
His answer leads to another aspect of love. He wasn't being arbitrary. There were certain standards of behavior I was expected to live. He said, "Having you out late worried me. Above all, I want you safe." I realized his love for me was stronger than his desire for sleep or the inconvenience of getting dressed and driving down the road looking for me.
Whether it is a hayfield or other casual places, those times together can fill the reservoir for other times that may not be as idyllic and serene. Relationships stay intact with this kind of investment—in spite of hard doctrine and correction—or maybe because of it.
Love is listening when they are ready to talk—midnight, 6 a.m. on their way to seminary, or when you're busy with your urgencies. Have you seen the Church spot on television showing a darkened bedroom? The door opens, and in walks a little girl with a book under her arm. She goes over to where her dad is sound asleep and asks, "Daddy, will you read me a story?" The dad doesn't open his eyes; he just mumbles in his sleep, "Oh, honey, Daddy is so tired. Ask Mommy." The little girl patters over to where her mother is sleeping and asks, "Mommy, can Daddy read me a story?" You see the dad's eyes pop open, and the next picture shows all three of them together, and Dad is reading a story.
Loving may come naturally, but leading is a polished skill that maybe we don't take seriously enough. We lead by example more strongly than any other way. That is a heavy burden for parents and leaders of youth.
Can our young people tell by the way we live and talk and pray that we love the Lord? Do they know that their Father in Heaven is a God of love by the way they feel when they are with us? Can they feel secure that we will not be moved by every wind of doctrine or the craftiness of social pressure and worldly acceptance? (see Eph. 4:14).
If we are going to lead in righteousness, there can't be any question where we stand. Small uncertainties on our part can produce large uncertainties in our youth.
I wonder sometimes if we as mothers are the ones who make our children feel the pressure to be popular and accepted. Educating our desires so our standards are the Lord's standards sends a clear message that in the Lord's kingdom there are no double standards.
Following President Hinckley's talk to the youth last November, a young woman reported to her mother that her Young Women leader had removed her second set of earrings. These scrutinizing young people notice. They notice how short your shorts are or if you had to tuck and pin to wear that blouse; they notice what you wear (or don't wear) when you are working in your yard; they notice which line you are standing in at the movie theater.
We have made covenants with the Lord, and leading often tests the level of our commitment to those covenants.
A young mother said, "It takes an enormous amount of time and energy to be a good parent. It is easier to let my children fall asleep in front of the television while I pick up the house and then put them to bed than it is to read the scriptures to them, have prayers and stories, and tuck them in. But they look forward to this evening ritual, and I know this investment, even when I'm too tired to move, will pay eternal dividends." Consistent leading helps youth make wise choices, and our trust in them increases.
I remember when I was about 16 years old overhearing Mom talking to Dad. She was concerned about some choices I was making. I was not guilty of any sin more serious than the immaturity of youth, but Mom was worried. What Dad said seared into my heart. "Don't worry," he said to Mom. "I trust Sharon, and I know she'll do the right thing." Those hours in the hayfield paid off then and there. From that moment on I was bound to those loving, trusting parents.
One of the greatest tests for parents and leaders is to love the one who seems to be unlovable. This is tough duty. It stretches the heartstrings and wrenches the soul. When heartbroken parents pray for help, the help often comes in the form of angel aunts or uncles, grandmas or grandpas, good friends, and leaders surrounding our loved one. They can reinforce our very message that may put our child on the track we've been praying for.
Loving wisely and leading purposefully will help stem the tide of wickedness as we prepare the next generation for the exhilarating delights of parenthood. We never forget the joys of our 12-year-old when he first passes the sacrament or hearing the sacramental prayer given in the voice of our son. How do you explain the feeling of hearing your daughter bear her testimony of the Savior or watching her receive her Young Womanhood medallion?
We catch a glimpse of heaven when we are in the temple with our child who is kneeling across the altar with a worthy companion. They are prepared to start a life together of promise and accomplishments that we have helped to nurture. This is harvest time.
I close with my testimony that we are not alone in this sacred trust of parenting, loving, and leading. There is no greater joy. It is worth every sacrifice, every inconvenient minute, every ounce of patience, personal discipline, and endurance. "If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Rom. 8:31). In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.


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Maria Sharapova, before getting bounced out of this week's Toray Pan Pacific Open by the renascent Kimiko Date, put on her endorsement hat by helping launch Tag Heuer's Formula 1 Steel & Ceramic Watch, which, as it sounds, has ceramic and steel both in the bracelet and on the studded bezel (count them: sixty diamonds!). More info here.
Meanwhile, Maria's wearing burnt red and black checkered pieces (a billowy blouse, of course) from Vionnet and shoes from Cole Haan. Check out Vionnet's site here.
The tennis: The quarters are set with some "no-names" who have definitely earned their way this far into the tournament (if not the entirety of 2010): Caro Wozniacki vs. A. Radwanska, Coco Vandeweghe against Azarenka, Schiavone will play Kaia Kanepi, and Dementieva plays Zvonareva. To refresh: Coco came through from qualifying, and Kanepi reached the QFs of both Wimbledon and the US Open this year. (Draw: Singles)
(watch info via Luxist)


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Thursday June 3rd you are invited to join a national on-line Washington wine tasting. On that night, thousands of people across the country will be discussing Washington wine live and on-line. The goal of this event – WAWine – is to leverage Social Media to connect the virtual wine tasting community and wineries across Washington State.
WAWine is the second in a series of Washington wine-focused Social Media events. The first, WAMerlot, had over 500 participants on Twitter and 1,000 people at various events across Washington State. The event received local as well as national media coverage and was a trending topic on Twitter.
This second event, WAWine, looks to expand on the success of WAMerlot with even more winery and consumer participation. WAWine also precedes a number of important wine events occuring in Washington in June, including Wine Rocks Seattle (which takes place later that same evening), Taste Washington! Spokane, (June 6th), the Seattle Wine Awards Grand Awards Tasting (June 13th), and the 2010 Wine Bloggers Conference in Walla Walla (June 25th to 27th).
WAWine is sponsored by the Washington Wine Commission and Washington Tasting Room Magazine. Fourteen Washington bloggers and tweeters will be assisting with organizing and promoting the event.
How Can I Participate If I am a Consumer?
Participation is simple. All you need to do is buy one or more bottles of Washington wine (see list of participating wineries), open the wine on June 3rd, and use the Social Media tools listed below to join the conversation. You can participate at home with a group of friends or attend events at one of the participating wineries or businesses in your area (a list of known events will be listed at DrinkNectar.com).
On the day of the event, to join the discussion:
1. Log on to Twitter at 5pm Pacific Time on Thursday, June 3 and follow the hashtag #WAWine. To be connected with other participants be sure to use the words #WAWine in all your tweets.
2. Log on to Facebook and join the community at http://facebook.com/tasteandtweet. You can use this page to upload photos, share your experiences and connect with others.
Visit the event site for additional details.
How Can I Participate If I am a Winery?
First, register for the event so we know you are participating. Next, visit the WAWine for Wineries page at DrinkNectar.com to see ways to maximize the event. This page will contain:
* Social Media Tutorials
* A Media Packet
* Downloadable print materials
* A list of ways to maximize winery sales
* And more…
Finally, if you are planning an event at your winery or joining at event at another location, e-mail me at [email protected] or Josh Wade at [email protected] and let us know so we can list and help promote the event.


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Visual Rhetoric/Rhetorical Vectors
Why, in a world where everyone is so determined to be different, do vectors offer a bridge across the active and intentional need to see objects in uniquely different ways? But most importantly: what is the bridge? Vectors are "forces generated by the shapes and configurations of visual objects. A vector is characterized by its magnitude, direction, and base of attack. Visual vectors are seen as oriented in both directions unless a special base determines the origin of the vector's attack and thereby its direction" (Arnheim 218). Without vectors, the commonality that brings critics and casual observers, alike, together to agree on the aesthetic value of an image would not exist.
Let us first look at what it is that vectors do. Vectors are used to "visually realize different ways in which objects and their relations can be represented" (Kress and van Leeuwen 56). Vectors act as visual cues to the observer of an image that perform like road signs to connect two separate objects that give the viewer direction as to where to look and what to look at next in a temporal capacity, or artifact. The importance lays in the connection that is conveyed by the use of a vector or vectors because they not only act as visual cues in paintings, but are found in everyday images and scenes. We experience and interpret vectors in our everyday lives whether through photos, diagrams, architecture, or advertisements. Vectors tell us visually what we would normally say verbally.
Vector usage[edit | edit source]
Vectors are connectors that we use in order to tell or interpret a story. When used in a narrative or narrative process, vectors act as a set of visual symbols or characteristics brought together in order to persuade or draw attention to certain aspects of a piece. Narrative representation or process is one way to determine why it is that vectors are rhetorical. When one thinks of a painting that is highly influential, almost immediately he or she is drawn to a certain point in the image that is of interest. This main focus in direction must be present for rhetorical vectors, and essentially images, to effectively communicate with the viewer. Direction is established by a given object in the image or simply by a layout of the action. There are many different elements that go into making a vector and therefore may be "formed by bodies or limbs or tools 'in action', but there are many other ways to turn represented elements into diagonal lines of action. A road running diagonally across the picture space, for instance, is also a vector and the car driving on it an 'Actor' in the process of 'driving'. In abstract images such as diagrams, narrative processes are realized by graphic elements…" (Kress and van Leeuwen 59) Kress and Van Leeuwen discuss the concept of 'Actor' and 'Goal' as an important aspect in the narrative interpretation process. Vectors must initiate from single or multiple sources, often this main source is the 'Actor' in which the direction of an image originates. The 'Goal' is what the vector is drawing attention to, or the intended outcome, whether it's the viewer, another point in the image, or within upon itself.
Vector Relationships[edit | edit source]
Vectors also help us realize different types of relationships that are represented in images. These three relationships are:
- Unidirectional transactional action
- Bidirectional transactional action
- Non-transactional action
In the first, Unidirectional transactional action, a vector is formed that connects an 'Actor' and a 'Goal'. This vector is normally moving from the body of the 'Actor' and is directed toward the 'Goal'. For instance, if a human being were pointing at an orange in a picture, a vector would be coming from the pointing hand a the orange, showing us that our focus should move from the hand toward the orange. In the second relationship, Bidirectional transactional action, a vector is shot between two subjects that are connected. For instance, if two humans are looking at each other, a double-headed vector would be moving between the two of them pointing at each other. A relationship is being formed between the two with the aid of the vector which is linking them. In the final relationship type, a Non-transactional action, a vector emanates from an 'Actor', but does not point at another participant. For instance, this could be a human being looking off into the distance to something outside of the image. We cannot assume the subject, or 'Actor', is looking at anything, so the vector emanating from his person is not linked to another participant, making the relationship formed by the vector non-transactional. (Kress and van Leeuwen 74)
How are vectors used?[edit | edit source]
There are two ways in which vectors can be used whether in the form of direct address or drawing attention to an "imagined act" (Kress and van Leeuwen 117). More often we interpret vectors as a form of direct address rather than constituting an imagined act because vectors in the form of a direct address draw our attention and are more apparent, oftentimes, to viewers than searching for meaning in an image by themselves. For example, older military recruitment posters feature
a strong, determined, and influential-looking individual that points directly at the audience as if to give the impression that it is viewer that should become part of the values advertised in the poster. This type of direct address forces the viewer to become interactive with the image. Immediately after viewing the image, there is a certain relationship established between the 'Actor' in the image and the audience ,especially in the military advertisement, because the vector is directed at the viewer at an eye level, forcing the audience to acknowledge their relationship.
Vectors in everyday life[edit | edit source]
Vectors are not only limited to two-dimensional images; they are around us in everyday life. Buildings or sculptures may use vectors to draw one's eyes to a specific location. Many other three-dimensional objects or even humans use vectors on a daily basis as a form of non-verbal communication. For instance, try this experiment. Go stand in a busy area and just look up in a direction towards nothing particular. Passersby will look toward where your eyes are pointing. This is because your focus on nothing at all is shooting a vector from your eyes in a specific direction. Vectors will prompt others to look that way as well. Vectors help to facilitate logical progression of an image, creating a relationship between the 'Actor' and 'Goal' in order to portray messages and connections to an audience.
Works Cited[edit | edit source]
Arnheim, Rudolph. Art and Visual Perception. Berkeley: California Press, 1974.
Kress, Gunther, and Theo van Leeuwen. Reading Images: The Grammar of Visual Design. 2nd. London: Routledge, 2006.


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Cantik Massage
bali massage perth, couples massage perth, deep tissue massage perth, remedial massage perth, relaxation massage perth
Massage Therapy - A team of fully qualified and experienced massage therapists to help you feel relaxed, refreshed and rejuvenated.
Our family heritage and obsession with holistic health inspired us to create Cantik massage to invite others to experience the traditional benefits of Balinese massage and have you feeling refreshed to face the day.
Leederville is a locality within the City of Vincent in the Perth metropolitan region of Western Australia. It is home to Aranmore Catholic College, the School of Isolated and Distance Education, North Metropolitan TAFE, Trinity Theological College, and St Mary's Church. The suburb was named after William Henry Leeder, the original grantee of land that encompassed the area.
Abel Property, Ashfield, Bassendean, Casuarina, Cathedral Square, Chicken Treat, City of Vincent Community Centre, City of Vincent Library, Coolabaroo Neighbourhood Centre, Cottesloe, Derrick Ernst Neighbourhood Centre, DoubleTree by Hilton Perth Northbridge, Dôme Café, Early Start Australia - West Leederville, Efes Kebabs Leederville


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Sesame Slow Cooker Ribs – Slow Cooking Thursday
I'm walking 60 miles in the Breast Cancer 3-day! Will you help me reach my goal?
Whew! It's been awhile since I joined in with Slow Cooking Thursday. When it was so crazy around here, I just stuck with family favorites and things from the freezer for the crock. Such a life saver when the schedule is packed! Head over to Sandra's for Slow Cooker Thursday and join in the fun!
Sesame Slow Cooker Ribs
Serves 8-10
5 pounds country-style ribs (boneless, pork or beef)
2 medium onions, thinly sliced
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
3 Tablespoons corn starch **
1/2 cup gluten free soy sauce
1/2 cup gluten free ketchup
1/4 cup honey
2 Tablespoons rice or white wine vinegar
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground ginger (or one Tablespoon fresh finely minced ginger)
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional and to taste)
When done cooking:
3 Tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
3 green onions, thinly sliced
Mix brown sugar and corn starch sauce in a bowl (this will eliminate the corn starch from clumping). Mix the rest of the sauce ingredients into the brown sugar mixture, blending well. In a 6 quart slow cooker, layer onions and ribs, pouring some sauce on each layer before adding the next. When all onion and ribs are in the slow cooker, pour the remaining sauce over all. Put lid on slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or until pork it cooked through and tender. Right before serving, sprinkle ribs with sesame seeds and green onions. Yum!
**If you cannot use corn starch: At the end of cooking time, remove 1/2 cup of liquid from crock pot and allow to cool. to do this quickly, you can place the bowl of liquid carefully into a larger bowl with ice water (this is and ice water bath). After liquid cools, whisk 3 tablespoons arrowroot into the liquid, mixing well. Add arrowroot mixture back into the crock pot, allowing to cook until the rib sauce has thickened.


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Get Started with Deep Learning Toolbox
Deep Learning Toolbox™ provides a framework for designing and implementing deep neural networks with algorithms, pretrained models, and apps. You can use convolutional neural networks (ConvNets, CNNs) and long short-term memory (LSTM) networks to perform classification and regression on image, time-series, and text data. You can build network architectures such as generative adversarial networks (GANs) and Siamese networks using automatic differentiation, custom training loops, and shared weights. With the Deep Network Designer app, you can design, analyze, and train networks graphically. The Experiment Manager app helps you manage multiple deep learning experiments, keep track of training parameters, analyze results, and compare code from different experiments. You can visualize layer activations and graphically monitor training progress.
You can import networks and layer graphs from TensorFlow™ 2, TensorFlow-Keras, and PyTorch®, the ONNX™ (Open Neural Network Exchange) model format, and Caffe. You can also export Deep Learning Toolbox networks and layer graphs to TensorFlow 2 and the ONNX model format. The toolbox supports transfer learning with DarkNet-53, ResNet-50, NASNet, SqueezeNet and many other pretrained models.
You can speed up training on a single- or multiple-GPU workstation (with Parallel Computing Toolbox™), or scale up to clusters and clouds, including NVIDIA® GPU Cloud and Amazon EC2® GPU instances (with MATLAB® Parallel Server™).
- Get Started with Deep Network Designer
This example shows how to use Deep Network Designer to adapt a pretrained GoogLeNet network to classify a new collection of images. - Get Started with Transfer Learning
This example shows how to use transfer learning to retrain SqueezeNet, a pretrained convolutional neural network, to classify a new set of images. - Create Simple Image Classification Network Using Deep Network Designer
This example shows how to create and train a simple convolutional neural network for deep learning classification using Deep Network Designer. - Create Simple Sequence Classification Network Using Deep Network Designer
This example shows how to create a simple long short-term memory (LSTM) classification network using Deep Network Designer. - Try Deep Learning in 10 Lines of MATLAB Code
Learn how to use deep learning to identify objects on a live webcam with the SqueezeNet pretrained network. - Classify Image Using Pretrained Network
This example shows how to classify an image using the pretrained deep convolutional neural network GoogLeNet. - Create Simple Image Classification Network
This example shows how to create and train a simple convolutional neural network for deep learning classification.
App Workflows
Command-Line Workflows
Featured Examples
Interactive Learning
Deep Learning Onramp
This free, two-hour deep learning tutorial provides an interactive
introduction to practical deep learning methods. You will learn to use deep
learning techniques in MATLAB for image recognition.
Interactively Modify a Deep Learning Network for Transfer Learning
Deep Network Designer is a point-and-click tool for creating or modifying deep neural networks. This video shows how to use the app in a transfer learning workflow. It demonstrates the ease with which you can use the tool to modify the last few layers in the imported network as opposed to modifying the layers in the command line. You can check the modified architecture for errors in connections and property assignments using a network analyzer.
Deep Learning with MATLAB: Deep Learning in 11 Lines of MATLAB Code
See how to use MATLAB, a simple webcam, and a deep neural network to identify objects in your surroundings.
Deep Learning with MATLAB: Transfer Learning in 10 Lines of MATLAB Code
Learn how to use transfer learning in MATLAB to re-train deep learning networks created by experts for your own data or task.


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SYRIA: More questions about alleged nuclear site
This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.
Professor William Beeman at the University of Minnesota passed along a note today from 'a colleague with a U.S. security clearance' about the mysterious Syrian site targeted in a Sept. 6 Israeli airstrike.
The note raises more questions about the evidence shown last week by U.S. intelligence officials to lawmakers in the House and Senate.
The author of the note pinpoints irregularities about the photographs. Beeman's source alleges that the CIA 'enhanced' some of the images. For example he cites this image:
The lower part of the building, the annex, and the windows pointing south appear much sharper than the rest of the photo, suggesting that they were digitally improved.
The author points to more questions about the photographs of the Syrian site.
- Satellite photos of the alleged reactor building show no air defenses or anti-aircraft batteries such as the ones found around the Natanz nuclear site in central Iran.
- The satellite images do not show any military checkpoints on roads near the building.
- Where are the power lines? The photos show neither electricity lines or substations.
- Here is a link to a photo of the North Korean facility that the Syrian site was based on. Look at all the buildings surrounding it. The Syrian site was just one building.
Now compare this photograph of the site:
To this one:
The site looks like a rectangle in the first shot, but more like a square in the second shot. Huh?
Thanks to Beeman, a professor of anthropology and Middle East studies as well as a member of the blogosphere, for allowing us to share his colleague's comments.
— Borzou Daragahi in Amman, Jordan
P.S. The Los Angeles Times issues a free daily newsletter with the latest headlines from the Middle East, the war in Iraq and the frictions between the West and Islam. You can subscribe by registering at the website here, logging in here and clicking on the World: Mideast newsletter box here.


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IBM is trying to remove some of the complications related to image recognition with new tools to automate critical machine learning tasks.
A major update of the company's PowerAI tools has a feature called AI Vision, an auto tuner that makes it easy to identify and classify pictures. It will also speed up image recognition by breaking down tasks over multiple clusters.
AI Vision plays a big role in automating machine learning by creating a tuned model, said Sumit Gupta, vice president of machine learning.
The software abstracts machine learning, and developers don't need knowledge of low-level access to frameworks to tune, train, and deploy image recognition models. It's much like programming a game to take advantage of GPUs without deep knowledge of low-level APIs.
The software can speed up image recognition in cars or drones. It'll make it easy for companies to easily implement computer vision as they introduce AI into IT infrastructures.
One use of computer vision is in retail sales, to identify objects during checkout. Grocery stores are using it for checking the quality of products like fruits and vegetables.
Image recognition involves analyzing and classifying of pixels. The stronger the learning model, the better the image recognition capabilities. It's much like how humans learn, and the more exposure to a certain image -- like a cat -- the better a computer becomes at identifying it.
The AI Vision software provides the prerequisites of cutting images down to specific sizes and distributing them over large clusters. The software works with Caffe, TensorFlow, and other deep-learning frameworks packaged into the updated PowerAI.
The new software is a tool for data scientists, who provide accurate models for analytics.
PowerAI is designed to work with Power servers and Nvidia GPUs. Machine learning frameworks typically require the processing power of multiple GPUs. IBM currently sells servers with Power8 chips but will release Power9 servers later this year.


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1966 Chevy El Camino - Agile Elky
Speed Tech '66 El Camino
Erich Monteith wanted to be different in building a Pro Touring machine, and what better way than a corner-carving El Camino? He'd been jonesing to have a '66 Elky, and combining the two desires seemed a match made in heaven.
This car is actually Erich's second '66. The first was an eBay find that looked good over the Internet, but when the deal was done and the car in his garage, Erich realized he had a nightmare on his hands. Rather than throw good money after bad, he located another '66, this one an original A/C car, that was solid and ready for building. He swapped over the good parts from the basket case Elky, sold that one to recoup some dough, then started enjoying his good '66.
After a year though, Erich got the itch to improve things. A 350 with overdrive automatic was dropped in for motivation, and the suspension refreshed at all four corners. Three years after that, and it was time to really re-do the suspension. A call to Speed Tech Performance netted Erich one of Speed Tech's Track Time packages, designed and optimized to get an A-body tip-toeing through autocross cones with grace and ease. To make the most of the El Camino's new handling abilities, he went to A.R.E. Performance in Simi Valley, California, for a built 383 Mouse cranking out almost 400 hp. A built 200-4R sends power to a Coast Driveline (Oxnard, California)–prepped rear.
For driving comfort, the interior has Procar Elite-model bucket seats in tan vinyl, National Parts Depot black carpet, Auto Meter readouts, and a B&M Quicksilver shifter for the slushbox. Corbeau five-point harnesses keep both driver and passenger secured safely while doing the autocross hustle. On the outside, the Elky is sprayed in Arctic White.
Driving Impression—On the Autocross
Years ago when I got my license to drive and dirt was invented, one of my friends had an Elco. We used it a lot … it hauled people, parts, junk to the dump, and yes, a lot of the aforementioned dirt. While it was a suitable substitute for its big-brother pickup, changing direction even a millimeter brought out the personality of its sibling, the dump truck. Fast-forward a few (dozen) years and a few Super Chevy Suspension & Handling Challenges later, and within the herd of Camaros, Novi, and Chevelles, the last thing I expected to see was an El Camino. Shades of the past for sure. And while this little nondescript white two-seater didn't sport monster meats or mega horsepower, it put its performance where it counted: in the suspension, brakes, and steering.
In Monday's pre-testing sessions, I drove the El Camino through a few shakedown runs. While the handling was just about perfect, power was lacking. A quick fix returned full throttle capability, and when Tuesday's competition rolled around, I couldn't wait to give this Chevy some frisky lovin', threading through the orange maze. Sporting Nitto NT555s, I welcomed the broad traction threshold that gave me excellent balance and manageability throughout the autocross course. This car was classic "point and shoot," and at the apex took power quite well. I absolutely loved the brakes, as they were easy to modulate with good initial bite that got the El Camino slowed to precise corner entry speed.
Entering the slalom found the tail predictably working the dog, but this was expected with minimal weight in the "trunk." Out through the offsets and into the higher-speed section, the big Wilwood binders got the El Camino slowed and easily positioned for the turnaround. Back through another series of offsets and into the "Chicago Box," I loved that I had the ability to rotate the car at will. The Speed Tech "Track Time" system keeps the tires planted and front end turning; there's minimal body lean but lots of movement that maintains compliance and makes the car so friendly to drive. Through the final short offset slalom to the finish found the Elco handling everything I could throw at it, and each run finished with grins and giggles.
Of all the cars (and trucks) I tested that day, the Speed Tech El Camino was the one I felt the most at home with. Every single part on this car melds with the others—the 383 cubic-incher doesn't blow off traction, while the steering kept up and allowed the suspension to shine with absolute textbook handling. Like the other Chevrolets Speed Tech has presented us for our testing, this El Camino definitely did not disappoint. –Mary Pozzi
Driving Impression—On the Street
Speed Tech has attended the last three Super Chevy Suspension & Handling Challenges, and each time has brought a vehicle so completely different than the others that they defy comparison. In 2009, it was a big-block '69 Camaro. I mean, you better have your ducks in a row if you're bringing a fat-block-powered anything to a suspension comparo—and Speed Tech did. Our event in 2010 saw a stunning LS-powered third-gen Nova that was definitely on the cutting edge, and it performed just like that.
For this go-round, it went old school in a sense. Climbing into the '66 El Camino, I was reminded of the hot rods we all used to build (and some still do): a tach mounted on the steering column behind a wooden wheel and clean under-dash gauges. The aftermarket seats both helped achieve a desirable driving position and were comfortable. The B&M automatic shifter on the floor was like an old friend.
But there was nothing old-fashioned about the way this car drove or handled. Like the Nova from the year before, it was a strong competitor with few, if any, weaknesses. Sure, having 53 percent of your weight on the nose doesn't help, but apparently no one told the car this (see Mary's previous comments).
In our street drive, there was no sense of the El Camino's work-vehicle roots. Perhaps the steering was a little slower than some of the other entries, but I prefer this to it being too quick and darty. The suspension was smooth and compliant. As we noted in the logbook, "It doesn't rub you the wrong way."
Over the rough patches of pavement we sought out, the suspension rarely got upset.
In the autocross you have to marvel at its ability to run way beyond the 2011 Camaro SS bogey car. The Elco was nearly 8 seconds quicker than GM's state-of-the-art ponycar. That's a testament to the design prowess of the parts used. They're simple and effective. That's always a great combination. –Jim Campisano
Speed Tech El Camino Specs
Engine Type: 383 small-block
Block: GM iron with 3.75 Scat stroker crank
Fuel Delivery: Holley 750-cfm carb, Edelbrock Air Gap intake, AFR heads, and Holley mechanical fuel pump
Transmission: Bow Tie Overdrives 200-4R
Converter: Bow Tie Overdrives 2,200-stall
Rearend: Factory 12-bolt, 3.73 gears, Eaton limited-slip differential
Chassis: GM
Front Suspension: Speed Tech Track Time kit, including tubular arms
Steering: AGR 12:1 box
Springs: 550 lbs/in
Spindles: AFX Tall forged aluminum spindles (7/8-inch drop) with C5 hubs
Shocks: QA1 coilovers
Sway Bar: Speed Tech 1-1/4-inch hollow
Brakes: Wilwood Superlite, 6-piston calipers and 14-inch rotors
Rear Suspension: Speed Tech Track Time with adjustable upper and lower Articulink arms
Springs: 350 lbs/in
Shocks: QA1 coilovers
Sway Bar: 1-inch hollow
Brakes: Wilwood Superlite, 4-piston calipers and 13-inch rotors
Total Cost of Suspension: $8,855 (total includes brakes)
Wheels & Tires
Wheels: Rushforth Livewire, front-18x9 (4.75 bs), rear-18x10 (5.5 bs)
Tires: Nitto NT555, front-255/44R18, rear-285/44R18
Total: 3,718
LF: 1,000 lbs., RF: 978 lbs.
LR: 855 lbs., RR: 885 lbs.
'66 Speed Tech El Camino
Slalom: 44.7 mph (average of the best five runs)
Autocross: 45.44 sec. (best lap)
2011 Chevy Camaro SS
Slalom: 44.10 mph (average of the best five runs)
Autocross: 53.28 sec. (best lap)
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As a further challenge to the family, their home was only 5 miles from the epicenter of the Northridge earthquake. Cindy and Ted Neale were very traumatized by all the catastrophe's hitting their family in a such a short period of time. As Ted, Cindy, Laura and Sarah tell about their traumatic experiences, you begin to realize: the inherent value of each family member, the importance of the love of a mom and dad and the Heroic Potential of each person.
Why Every Community Can Benefit From a Local "In Search Of Heroes Program.
Rise up Heroes and Heroines! The world needs you NOW! This is the motto of the In Search Of Heroes Program. Students are ideal candidates to search for the answers to the following questions:
1. What is your definition of a Hero?
2. Who are the Heroes in your life now?
3. How do people become Heroes?
4. Who do you feel are the real-life Heroes in our society today that are not getting the recognition and rewards they deserve?
5. Why are Heroes so important in the lives of young people?
6. What are the things parents can do that will help their children realize they too can be Heroes and make a positive impact on the lives of others?
Everyone benefits when these questions are answered by students, teachers and parents.
One of the primary goals of the program is for students to realize their parents, family members, teachers, neighbors, friends, coaches, spiritual and community service leaders are the real Heroes. These individuals are the unsung HEROES of our world.
They are HEROES who (H)elp (E)nthusiastically, (R)esponsibly, (O)ptimistically (E)xceptionally (S)ocially and/or (S)piritually.
When young people understand professional athletes, musicians and movie stars may not be the best role models, they benefit from recognizing the real HEROES closer to home. Entrepreneurs, in particular, who hire and train students how to be successful business people, really help students make the world a better place for themselves, families and the community.
Students have open minds, genius potential and free time.
They have the ability to evaluate ideas and information about different people and other cultures without being opinionated and judgmental. The In Search Of Heroes Program provides students with the opportunity to learn the importance and value of:
1. Developing leadership skills and personal integrity
2. Using their full mental and physical potential
3. Helping and respecting others
4. Individual responsibility and hard work
5. Recognizing outstanding individuals in society who help others
6. Focusing on the positive things people do rather than the negative
7. Advancing international understanding and goodwill
The In Search Of Heroes Program promotes good news by focusing on positive and uplifting ideas, actions and activities.
Good news, a positive attitude, Heroic Role Models and adequate preparedness counter the harmful effects of FEAR. Many people are afraid because of wars, threats of war, terrorism, killer plagues, famine, starvation, poverty, financial catastrophe and violence that threaten every community.
The In Search Of Heroes Program provides the perfect opportunity to:
1. Identify leaders
2. Publicize Heroes willing to make a positive difference in the lives of others
3. Train young people to be leaders
Students learn how to use:
1.Different mind-mapping software programs that transform information into a format that is easy for everyone to understand. Colorful mind-maps use words, colors, symbols and pictures to provide a brain-integrated overview.
2. Slide show creation software that uses words, pictures, movies, charts and animation to provide more detail in a form that appeals to whole brain processing.
3. Word processor software that creates outlines that are detailed and very specific with information that appeals to the linear, word-focused left brain.
4. Spreadsheet software that helps keep track of the entire program in their community.
5. Calendar software that helps everyone be on the same page by scheduling events and interviews.
6. Google+, Youtube and Hangouts that allows them to upload, edit and store and promote Heroes interviews and events internationally.
7. Google Gmail that provides email services and Google Drive storage for sharing documents, slideshows, spreadsheets, websites and more.
8. Google Apps for Educational institutions and non-profits that provide industrial strength IT security for a minimal fee.
9. Hootsuite that provides the automated dissemination of their online work to three social media sites for FREE.
The In Search Of Heroes Program generates income to fund the program, activities, equipment, software, training and travel through viral marketing and existing affiliate programs of major companies.
The understanding of true heroism and identification of those deserving of recognition as Heroes are critical for the survival of humanity. When HEROES "Rise up and inspire others!" all members of society have the models they need to become better people and problem solvers.
Visit https://insearchofheroes.com for more information on becoming a family Hero.


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Fox Jewelry offers the largest selection of gold Masonic rings made by Masons for Masons. Known for quality, we have become one of the leading suppliers of Masonic jewelry. To get more info about our fraternal rings and jewelry, please don't hesitate to contact us.
The Masonic Ring sometimes referred to as the Freemason Ring or Mason Ring is symbolic of many of the concepts believed in by a Freemason. The circular shape of the Freemason ring demonstrates the "eternity of the circle", or in the case of a square or rectangle shape, the Masonic ring demonstrates "on the square". This "eternal" nature represents the bond of a Mason to another Mason and to the brotherhood of Freemasonry, in the same way that a wedding ring would show the bond of one person to another.
The Masonic Ring will normally display the Masonic "square and compass," the universal symbols of Freemasonry. The Masonic ring may also feature the letter "G" in the middle. The "G" symbolizes the word GAOTU, an acronym for "great architect of the universe". The ring will feature these symbols raised on the surface. Many Freemason Rings will display the plumb and trowel on the sides of the shank.The Mason's ring is also a visual sign to the world of a member's dedication to the Masonic fraternity, as well as his authenticity, a concept that Free Masons describe as a "cable tow," a binding of the person to Free Masonry forever.
There are certain rules and etiquette involved with wearing a 3rd Degree Masonic Ring, or Blue Lodge rings. First of all, only a Master Mason should wear a Freemasons Ring. The Master Mason ring is also generally worn on the third finger of the right hand. Typically, a Mason would not wear more than one Masonic Ring unless the Master Mason is a member of more than one branch or lodge. Fox Jewelry has the largest selection of gold Masonic rings and jewelry available anywhere!
The Masonic Ring is the most recognizable symbol of the world's largest fraternity; the Freemasons. Most commonly, the Masonic Ring is shown with a compass and square on the top. The sides of the shank on the Masonic Ring typically display the plumb and trowel. If the ring has a stone, it is typically either a black onyx, synthetic ruby or blue spinel. The color of the stone on the Masonic Ring has no significance. There at least a couple of opinions as to whether the wearer of the Masonic Ring should wear the ring with the points of the compass either facing towards the wearer or away from them. The square is the symbol of all earthly, the compass is symbolic of heavenly perfection. In a combined emblem, the ends of the square point up as a symbol of man's aspirations toward God; the points of the compass point down to represent heavenly qualities coming down from God to earth. Given that, it seems that the proper way to wear the Masonic Ring would be that in which its symbolism is best expressed; namely; when the hand is held in its usual position the points of the compass are towards the earth and away from the wearer's eyes. In order to wear the Masonic Ring, you must have achieved the degree of Master Mason. The Freemasons can trace their roots back to 1717 when four lodges in London joined to form the Grand Lodge of England. Some historians say that the freemasons can trace their roots back to the time of ancient Egypt. Fox Jewelry is the leading marketer of Masonic Jewelry to include: Masonic Rings, Masonic Watches, Freemason Rings, Gold Masonic Rings, Sterling Silver Masonic Rings, Black Hills Gold Masonic Rings, Masonic cufflinks, Masonic aprons and gold plated Masonic Rings. If you are looking for a great 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Ring, Fox Jewelry has the finest selection of those as well as the 14th Degree Scottish Rite Ring. We are the only internet distributor of Wefferling Berry Masonic, Scottish Rite and Shrine Rings. Fox Jewelry is a web based business and has been in existence since 2001. Located in Sioux City, Iowa, the owner; Robert Fox is a Master Mason, (North Riverside Lodge in Sioux City), Scottish Rite Mason, York Rite Mason, member of the Abu Bekr Shrine Temple, also located in Sioux City. He is also a member of the Royal Order of Jesters. Fox Jewelry has the largest selection of Masonic Rings and Masonic Jewelry available anywhere. In addition to our Masonic Jewelry, we have an extensive collection of Eastern Star Rings, Order of Amaranth Rings, Past Matron and Past Patron rings. It is our goal to furnish a quality Masonic ring or other piece of Masonic Jewelry at a reasonable price so that our brothers and sisters in the trade all have the opportunity to own a quality piece of Masonic Jewelry. In addition to our Masonic Jewelry, we also carry an extensive line of Knights of Columbus Rings, Elks Rings, and Moose Rings. We also have a great selection of fine Military Rings and Military watches. We just launched a new line of official Navy Seal watches as well as men's wedding rings and clergy rings for our members of the military and clergy. Please enjoy your shopping experience. The companys customer service team is dedicated to being the best in the business. If there is any way we can be of assistance, please call Robert Fox at Fox Jewelry; 712-251-8053.


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Chocolate peanut butter cups are ridiculously delicious—and you can make your own fresh Reese's Peanut Butter Cups-like version with just some aluminum foil, hot water, and a mug.
Making these treats couldn't be easier. Love Them Madly blogger Jodie's instructions are simply to mold foil around the top of the mug (creating a mold), remove the mold and fill the mug with boiling water, fill mold with peanut butter and chocolate chips, and wait for the chocolate to melt so you can swirl it. 10 minutes in the freezer is enough time to get the cups ready for eating.
You can add other ingredients and toppings if you like, such as graham cracker crumbs and chopped nuts.
The great thing about this method is there's really no cleanup—no melting chocolate in a double boiler or saucepan—and no baking. You get your own perfect peanut butter swirl cup in practically no time.
Peanut Butter Swirl Cups | Love Them Madly


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I am currently in a project for one of my biggest clients. We have built a website that will -replace- the old website.
When it comes to actual content its is largely the same. However, the presentation of the content has changed drastically. From our point of view much more user-friendly (main reason to update the site).
Now, since the sites presentation has changed we have some major changes in:
- HTML & CSS: To change the presentation of the content
- URL's: To make them better understandable (301 redirects have been taken care of and are in place)
- Breadcrumbs: To enhance the navigation (we have made the breadcrumbs match exactly with the url's)
- Pagination: This was added to enable content browsing
- Title tags: Added descriptive title tags to the major links and buttons.
Basically all user content including meta tags have remained the same.
Now since this company is rather successful and 90% of its clients come from Google's organic results I am obliged to take all necessary precautions. People tell me I need a migration plan to prevent the site being hurt in Google, but I have never worked using such a plan...
...So, based on the above. Would you consider a migration plan necessary and what precautions/actions would you recommend to prevent us being put down in our SERP positions?
Many thanks in advance for your answers.


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Pioneer Press sold to MediaNews Group
Pioneer Press employees learned about their paper's fate in a hastily called meeting at the end of the workday. Publisher Par Ridder and two top Knight Ridder executives delivered the news. Reporter David Hanners said they had few answers for the many questions that remain.
"They were basically reading from a press release. There's just a lot of uncertainty up there. We wanted answers and we hope that in the next few days, Singleton ... we hope he'll come here himself," said Hanners.
Singleton is Dean Singleton, the controversial newspaper tycoon behind MediaNews Group. On Wednesday Singleton was in California, holding a similar meeting himself with staff of the San Jose Mercury News. Papers in Contra Costa and Monterey round out the four Knight Ridder properties going to MediaNews for about $1 billion.
At the meeting, Singleton referred to the Mercury News as "the crown jewel" of Knight Ridder papers. In a statement, Singleton said he's acquiring the Knight Ridder papers that excited him most. Just what he makes of the Pioneer Press remains to be seen. But it's clear what some employees make of him.
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"It's no secret he wasn't our first choice," said veteran Pioneer Press reporter Chuck Laszewski, who thinks Singleton's reputation as a cost-cutter makes people nervous.
Without more information, employees parsed the language of the announcement, in which Singleton refers to the sale as an "asset" purchase. It's a fine point, but by one interpretation referring to the papers as assets -- rather than as separate companies -- could mean Singleton is free to disregard existing union contracts. Laszewski says the mood is not good.
"I think it's fair to say there's a great deal of uncertainty yet and, yes, there's fear. You've got people here with families, and they're looking at the possibility that they could lose their jobs," Laszewski said.
MediaNews Group declined any interviews on the deal.
Singleton is known for his focus on profits, and the 10 percent profit margin at the Pioneer Press is unlikely to meet his expectations.
But Joe Mathewson, a professor at Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, says there's one big reason to believe Singleton will refrain from slashing resources at the Pioneer Press -- the Star Tribune.
There's going to be an element of competition. There certainly is an incentive on both sides to put out a great newspaper and a great Web site.
"That is encouraging," says Mathewson. "There's going to be an element of competition. And that competition is going to be based on circulation, from a financial standpoint, but the circulation is going to be based on the quality of the product. There certainly is an incentive on both sides to put out a great newspaper and a great Web site."
Pioneer Press Editor-in-Chief Thom Fladung believes fears about Singleton and MediaNews are unwarranted. He says Singleton has great respect at some of his bigger papers like the Denver Post and Detroit News.
But as the newsroom employee perhaps most likely to get the axe under new management, Fladung himself shares in the uncertainty of his staff.
"I can't control that. What I can control is the journalism I try to do every day," says Fladung. "I consider this as a tryout. Remember when you were in the sixth grade trying out for the basketball team? That's what I'm doing again."
The MediaNews deal is a letdown for other potential buyers. Many workers had hoped for a union-backed bid to buy all 12 Knight Ridder papers up for sale, and create an employee-owned company.
A group of anonymous Twin Cities investors had coalesced in an effort to restore local ownership of the paper. A spokesman for the group says they can only hope MediaNews will keep the Pioneer Press a viable source of news and information.
One possible -- but remote -- snag remains. The Department of Justice has requested information from McClatchy regarding its transaction in the Twin Cities. Two Minnesota congressmen earlier requested an investigation into whether McClatchy's ability to essentially choose the competitor for the Star Tribune might itself raise antitrust concerns.
A McClatchy statement says the company does not expect the DOJ inquiry will pose any obstacle to selling the Pioneer Press.


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My wife and I have about 12 days of vacation before she starts a short internship in Shanghai in January.
We are both Americans and don't speak Chinese and this will be our first time in China. Before she starts her internship, we would like to enjoy a relaxing time in warm weather at a resort, near a beach.
Assuming that we are willing to go anywhere in East and South Asia leaving from and coming back to Shanghai during this time, what are some good options for a relaxing vacation in this area in December in relatively warm weather?


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January is a terrible month for game releases, but it's a fantastic month for speculating about what's down the road. We've pulled through yet another insane holiday season, and now 2012 stretches before us, filled with possibility. There are a lot of great games on the horizon, to be sure, but as with any other year, you just know some of the biggest ones aren't going to see store shelves before December rolls around.
With the recent news that XCOM has already been pushed back into 2013 (no doubt partly to make room for the just-announced strategy game XCOM: Enemy Unknown), now seems like an especially opportune time to start making predictions about which other hotly anticipated titles we think stand the best chance of slipping into next year.
Above: This image may contain some hints
First, though, let's take a look at last year's predictions. How'd we do?
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim: Shipped on time, no delays.
Mass Effect 3: Delayed until 3/6/2012.
The Last Guardian: Release still TBA.
Diablo III: Release still TBA.
Beyond Good & Evil 2: Release still TBA (and likely won't happen until the next console generation, so we'll leave it out of this year's lineup for being too obvious).
Above: Don't expect to see this until next-gen hardware becomes available. We know, we're disappointed, too
Battlefield 3: Shipped on time, no delays.
Saints Row the Third: Shipped on time, no delays.
I Am Alive: Release TBA for Q1 2012.
Half-Life 2: Episode 3: Release still TBA, likely shelved in favor of unannounced Half-Life 3.
Duke Nukem Forever: Included as a joke entry, but still saw brief delays before releasing in June.
Accuracy of last year's predictions: 60%
So, OK, six out of 10 isn't great, but it's not terrible, either, especially since every wrong prediction meant a new game we could play. With that in mind, here's hoping we do even worse this year.
Prey 2
First announced: August 2006, March 2008 or March 2011, depending on how you define "announced."
Since then, we've seen: A live-action announcement trailer that was devoid of gameplay (always a good sign), a CG trailer that was similarly devoid of gameplay, occasional bursts of screenshots and a hands-off E3 demo that's since been shown off a couple of times.
Why we won't see it: Like everything else associated with defunct studio 3D Realms, this open-world, sci-fi, bounty-hunting FPS has been a long time coming. And while the gameplay demo we've seen shows a lot of promise, the fact that we've seen that same demo a couple more times since E3 (at shows that were open to the public, but still) fills us with suspicion. Prey 2 is reportedly going to be an enormous game, and if it were really on track for release this year, we imagine publisher Bethesda would have shown us a bit more than just the same mission in the same area.
Best-case scenario (if we're wrong): Our experience with Skyrim (which wasn't even announced until December 2010, and then wasn't even shown in-game until the following month) has taught us that Bethesda can play things close to the vest with the best of them, so it's entirely possible that the game has entered the final stages of production. If that's true, then we'd expect to see it surface sometime this summer, or (more likely) in October or November as Bethesda's big holiday release.
Dust 514
First announced: August 2008
Since then, we've seen: A smattering of screenshots and a few trailers, one of which features gameplay, and an eyes-on preview at Gamescom in August. Oh, and signups have just started for a private beta (available only to EVE Online subscribers), which may or may not be ongoing right now.
Why we won't see it: Creating a massively multiplayer shooter is a pretty tall order. Creating one for PS3 and PS Vita, and making it persistent with an established, enormous PC MMO that revolves around complicated spacefaring economics, sounds like an absurdly tall order. And doing so when you're a developer with little to no shooter experience, who's just laid off a fifth of its workforce in October after saying said workforce was stretched too thin, seems like the start of a particularly cruel joke.
We like the ambitious scope of this project, which mobilizes console players as mercenary grunts fighting for a (presumably) more cerebral overclass of EVE Online players, but the logistics of it alone are terrifying to contemplate. We're not saying developer CCP doesn't know what it's doing, just that we think it's doubtful it can it do it by the end of this year.
Best-case scenario (if we're wrong): As impossible as the project appears, CCP has been working on it for more than three years, so it could have its act together more tightly than we realize. In that case, the rumored summer release date seems attainable – although given the layoffs and reports that the beta was originally supposed to open at the end of 2011, a slip into fall or even winter is likelier.
Borderlands 2
First announced: August 2011
Since then, we've seen: A big reveal in Game Informer, a teaser trailer and a hands-off demo that was shown at Gamescom and PAX last year.
Why we won't see it: This one comes down to developer Gearbox – or more specifically, the other stuff it's working on. In 2012, Gearbox is also responsible for shipping the long-delayed Aliens: Colonial Marines in spring, and following that up with the (relatively low-profile) Brothers in Arms: Furious 4 not long after. Unless Gearbox's staff is more robust than we realize, something's got to give – and while it could easily be one of the two shooters we just mentioned, Borderlands 2, with its no-doubt huge scope, and wealth of potentially buggy enemies, weapons and vehicles, seems like a likelier candidate.
Such a move would let Gearbox focus its resources and push its comparatively simple shooters out the door, then concentrate on making its flagship product the best it can possibly be. That seems especially plausible when you consider that Borderlands 2 doesn't yet have a clear release date beyond fiscal year 2013 (which begins this April and extends into March 2013), while the other two games at least have their release windows nailed down.
Best-case scenario (if we're wrong): Assuming Gearbox resolves to get its surest hit out the door this year (in which case our money's on it sidelining BIA:F4 or ACM), it still has a bear of a task ahead of it. As with most ultra-high-profile releases, though, we'd expect this one to try and squeeze its way into what's sure to be another crowded holiday lineup.


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Dell Precision R5500 lets four graphics pros work on one PC, we wish it did gaming
Workstations aren't normally our focus, but when Dell shows off a new Precision system that lets four media pros share its graphics hardware at once, you can be sure the company has our attention. If your IT chief springs for a Precision R5500 with four Quadro 2000 cards, each of those cards can take advantage of a graphics pass-through in Citrix's virtualization to render 3D models at speeds much more like what you'd get if the Quadro were sitting in your own PC. Before you have visions of four-player Modern Warfare parties after-hours at work, the inherent barriers of distance and the virtual machine itself will likely rule out any game sessions. We'd add that the Quadro, Xeon processor and the $2,742 minimum price make it an expensive proposition. That engineering simulation will finish a lot faster, though, giving you a bit more time to play back home.
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Dell Introduces the First Multi-User 2U Rack Workstation for Virtualized 3D Workloads
Dell announced today it is expanding its client virtualization solutions with the introduction of the first virtualized 2U rack workstation enabling up to four concurrent professional graphics users to work from a single workstation from virtually anywhere. The Dell Precision R5500 rack workstation is the first four-GPU (graphics processing unit) configuration to be certified by Citrix with GPU pass-through on Citrix XenServer® 6 using Citrix XenDesktop® HDX™ 3D Pro, and brings additional security, IT resource optimization and end user flexibility to high performance workloads. This new usage model is designed for customers running 3D workloads in the engineering, medical, media and entertainment, scientific, software development and economic and finance market segments looking to support additional users on a single workstation.
Additional benefits of a virtualized rack workstation include the ability to centralize, secure and manage data, leverage worldwide talent pool, share resources for improved cost effectiveness and run performance critical applications that require the host system and data to be in close proximity. Users can connect to the powerful, dependable and manageable Dell Precision R5500 via Dell and non-Dell computing devices including thin clients, laptops, desktops or other mobile devices that have a loaded Citrix Receiver™.
"The Dell Precision R5500 offers the highest user density available on a XenServer certified platform for XenDesktop HDX 3D Pro, with four concurrent users per host," said Derek Thorslund, director of product management, HDX technology at Citrix. "This makes it a very attractive option for customers looking to deliver high-end 3D professional graphics while keeping their intellectual property safe in the data center."
Citrix XenServer with HDX 3D Pro enables the virtualized workstation environment with a dedicated discrete graphics card per user or virtual machine. The dedicated graphics provides the user with full access to the graphics card in a virtualized environment. Users can configure their Dell Precision R5500 with up to four NVIDIA Quadro® 2000 mid-range graphics cards, with other high-end NVIDIA Quadro graphics cards available soon. Dell's 2U rack workstation offers industry standard bus slots with options of up to five full-height and full-length PCIe slots, and industry standard graphics and GPU compute cards including the newest NVIDIA Quadro and NVIDIA Tesla® solutions.
"This new rack workstation configuration from Dell provides designers and engineers with a unique virtualized desktop performance option," said Jeff Brown, general manager, Professional Solutions Group, NVIDIA. "Dell's R5500 powered by NVIDIA Quadro GPUs gives these users an opportunity to experience the full power of high-end OpenGL, Direct X and CUDA applications in a small form-factor, virtualized desktop environment."
In addition to high-end graphics support, the R5500 provides the full scalability and powerful performance of Dell's high-end tower workstations in a 2U form factor. It is purpose-engineered for professionals who run compute and graphics intensive workloads and require extreme performance with remote capability. It offers high-performance Intel Xeon processors with memory capacity of up to 192GB¹ and dual-wide GPU slots that scale up to 450 watts, up to six 2.5-inch SAS HDDs or five SATA HDDs.
"We are working closely with Citrix and NVIDIA to enable new usage models to address the needs of our workstation customers," said Efrain Rovira, executive director of Dell Precision workstations. "This industry first four-GPU XenServer certification delivers increased productivity and flexibility to our customers, and it adds to the list of innovations we've introduced to the workstation industry."
Citrix XenServer with GPU pass-through is available worldwide through Citrix and Dell S&P. The starting price for the Dell Precision R5500 is $2,742 USD.
Visit Dell at NVIDIA GPU Technology Conference in booth #17 and #18 this week to see the Dell Precision R5500 workstation and learn more about the new Citrix XenServer GPU pass-through certification.


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Tor released a curious best of 2011 list today as voted by us, the apparently incompetent internet populace. It's a bad list and they know it, as evidenced by their attempts to ferret out the causes behind the self-described "interesting" results.
- The Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss (140 votes)
- The All-Pro by Scott Sigler (105 votes)
- The Alloy of Law by Brandon Sanderson (63 votes)
- The Seventh Throne by Stephen Zimmer (63 votes)
- Ready Player One by Ernest Cline (55 votes)
- The Final Arbiter by Mark Rivera (55 votes)
- A Dance With Dragons by George R. R. Martin (53 votes)
- Fuzzy Nation by John Scalzi (52 votes)
- Dancing With Eternity by J.P. Lowrie (50 votes)
- Among Others by Jo Walton (49 votes)
I agree with Tor.com that something is definitely amiss. I'm not pretending to be the be-all, end-all when it comes to genre literature but when I haven't heard of 3.5 (familiar with Scott Sigler but not The All-Pro) novels on a voter defined Top 10 list, it's a bit unusual.
It appears certain authors may be gaming the system. Getting on to the list only takes 50 votes, and you would only need 141 to climb to first. Both of those numbers are definitely doable with a sufficiently motivated fanbase.
But that would be unfair of me to assume right?
There's no way that Stephen Zimmer's shameless plugging on his website had nothing to do with his 4th place slot, nor the fact that this monstrosity took home Best Cover of 2011.
It's like putting Dan Fogler on the cover of the SI Swimsuit Edition. |
Then there is Mark Rivera's constant updates on his book's facebook page. It is surprising that he got 55 of the 82 people who liked his page to go vote for him. I'm impressed - I've got 40 odd cousins and I thought that was a big family.
J.P. Lowrie got in on the act as well. And internet campaigns? Not without Scott Sigler.
BUT WAIT!, you say. You're being unfair, you're not using logic. Maybe it's possible that these books were just really good self published novels. Maybe a lot of people read them, liked them, and voted for them without being asked to by the authors.
Fine. Let's get freaky. -nomically at least.
Let's compare by matching this up with the number of amazon reviews each book got. While the # of Amazon reviews isn't a good indicator of quality, it is a fairly good number of the people that read your book, assuming a comparable % of readers are reviews. I would even assume that people that read self published fiction are MORE likely to review it based on what is likely a closer familiarity with the author. Face it, it's harder to stumble onto self published books than mainstream ones.
My theory is that the more people that read your book, the more people that can vote for it. (Assuming that there are no people who voted for a book without reading it, who would do that?) And since this is purely a numbers game, if 10% of 1000 that read a book like it, you would have more votes than a book that was liked by 50% of 100 readers. And that's being considerate - the numbers of readers for Name of the Wind versus The Final Arbiter are probably more in the neighborhood of 500,000 to 1000.
Lets take a look at the numbers.
Now, I reduced A Dance With Dragons's numbers because it skewed the chart too much at a whopping 31.1 reviews/vote but I think you might be able to guess which of these books might have had their own voting campaigns. Three books have a virtually non-existent ratio and the 4th (Dancing With Eternity) appears to be boosted by some fake Amazon reviews. A pseudonymous reviewer who writes a very short, very positive 5-star review for that specific book and nothing else on Amazon? Look out for herbivores - you are a plant.
What is the point of having these lists if you can't trust them to be anything more than the most popular books of last year combined with the most mobilized fan community? Complain all you want about juried awards but I'm starting to think those are the way to go.
And Tor.com, is this really a list you want to put your name on? You're better than that.
Here is the raw data for those who care.
The Wise Man's Fear - 713 reviews / 140 votes - 5.09 reviews/vote
The All Pro - 16 reviews / 105 votes - 0.15 reviews/vote
The Allow of Law - 150/63 - 2.38 reviews/vote
The Seventh Throne - 3/63 - 0.05 reviews/vote
Ready Player One - 613/55 - 11.15 reviews/vote
The Final Arbiter- 2/55 - 0.04 reviews/vote
A Dance With Dragons - 1650/53 - 31.1 reviews/vote
Fuzzy Nation - 113/52 - 2.17 reviews/vote
Dancing With Eternity - 40/50 - 0.80 reviews/vote
Among Others - 48/49 - 0.98 reviews/vote


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Eight Bells: Hans Fogh
Published on March 16th, 2014
Hans Fogh passed away peacefully from Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease on March 14, 2014 in Toronto. He was 76 years of age (born March 8, 1938)
Born in Copenhagen, Hans has had one of the most exemplary competitive sailing careers ever, winning numerous Worlds, European and National titles in several classes including the Soling, Finn, Flying Dutchman, Star and Etchells.
Hans came to Canada with the encouragement and support of long-time friend, Paul Henderson, who managed to lever Hans' former career as a gardener to become a sailmaker. Hans went on to build one of the most successful sail lofts in the world under the Elvstrom, Fogh and North banners. His involvement in the development of the original Laser sail and the subsequent Laser Radial sail are only the beginning of his many well-known accomplishments in the sport.
Hans' competitive sailing career was influenced by his close friend and mentor, Paul Elvstrom. His career spanned seven decades from his first in the late fifties, to his last race earlier this year with his bronze medal crew John Kerr and his godson Johnnie Kerr. Hans enjoyed sharing his sailing with his family. He was able to coach his sons as they entered the sport, then shared the 1984 Olympics with his oldest son Morten and was able to compete in 2 Olympic trials with his youngest son Thomas. Hans was most joyful helping his 5 grandchildren learn to sail.
A six-time Olympian, he won his first Olympic Silver Medal (Flying Dutchman) with Ole Erik Gunnar Peterson in Rome in 1960 for his native Denmark. In 1984, 24 years later, he won a Bronze Medal (Soling) in Los Angeles, representing Canada with crew John Kerr and Steve Calder. Hans was extremely proud that he won a medal for his home and adopted countries. Hans also won a Pan Am Games Silver medal in 1987.
Throughout his career, Hans enjoyed giving back to the sport he loved: coaching, mentoring, training and developing sailors at every opportunity. This was definitively evidenced by the many lives he touched and the countless letters of remembrances from sailors and friends that have given the family so much strength.
Recognizing Hans Fogh's contribution to the sport of sailing, he has been inducted into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame, Canadian Amateur Sports Hall of Fame, Etobicoke Sports Hall of Fame and the National Marine Manufacturer's Association Canada Hall of Fame, including a number of other awards he has received over the years.
A fighter to the end, Hans leaves Kirsten, his beloved wife and safe harbour for 49 years, his two sons, Morten (Debbie) and Thomas (Andrea) and his grandchildren, Sarah, Curtis, Marcus, Kaia and Lucas with whom he spent many joyful hours attending their numerous special events. Hans is also survived by his family in Denmark, brother Jens Christian, sisters Gitte (Esben) and Annegrette (Christian). Hans leaves behind a niece in Canada, Pia (Danny) daughter of his late sister Inger (John Eastwood)
Visitation will be held on Thursday March 20th, 2-4pm and 7-9pm at Turner & Porter (Peel Chapel), 2180 Hurontario Street, Mississauga ON, L5B 1M8.
Donations to the Hans Fogh Endowment Fund, administered by Ontario Sailing (www.ontariosailing.ca) or to The Dorothy Ley Hospice (www.dlhospice.org) would be greatly appreciated.
Source: Ontario Sailing
From Paul Henderson:
Hans Fogh always referred to himself, in Danelish, as an "immigrant" after living in Canada for just over 45 years. If Canada ever gives Gold Medals for 'immigrants" it will be to the Family Fogh. Sail on old Friend! Please find links below to an article from the book "Vikings in Canada".